Wednesday, July 23rd 2008

A couple of weeks ago I spent a few days in Music City for the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Convention. While the convention demographic skewed a little older and the fashion skewed to sequined vests and matching zoot suits (and penguin costumes!), the style on the streets of Nashville reflected an updated honky-tonk sensibility. Worn-in western boots were ubiquitous and, in the sticky heat of mid-afternoon CD shopping at Ernest Tubb's and eating too much barbeque at Jack’s, best paired with a light dress like the Magical Mini Dress and the Happy Mini Dress from Daughters of the Revolution, or the Placed Print Easy Dress from Juicy. Best bets for boots? Bronx, N.D.C., Golden Goose, and Frye all offer a western-style riding boot. When the sun goes down, the shorts come out. Siwy Denim, William Rast, and True Religion showcase the favored distressed, frayed style. Summer tops like Mason’s Racer Detail Tank, LaROK’s Navajo Chain Top, and Rachel Pally’s Double Bow Top show off some skin (and the also-ubiquitous, slightly-faded tattoo) and add a chic sex appeal to dressed-down denim and boots. Add a long necklace or a couple of bangles, and the look is perfect for bar-hopping with a Country and Western twang. Whether you’re trying to channel Mother Maybelle, Patsy Cline, or Carrie Underwood, shopbop has what you’re looking for.